Well I have finally decided to take the leap and record my orchid travels, discoveries and photos in a BLOG so that others may choose to join in my adventures, looking for what I feel are an amazing family of flowering plants that have so many varieties, colours, shapes and sizes that one can not help but be amazed by them. In Western Australia there are two distinct areas that native orchids are found. The South West of Western Australia and in the north starting in the Kimberley. My BLOG will focus on the South West terrestrial orchids due to the massive size of my home state of Western Australia.
Orchidaceae is the family name in scientific speak however I will be using the common name of “Orchid” in my posts. In Western Australia the South West orchid territory ranges from Shark Bay in the Midwest on a diagonal line to Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields and eastwards to Eyre on the Nullarbor plain including the entire South West, Great Southern, South Coastal and Wheatbelt regions.
In this Southern region 28 different genera and over 400 species are found with many yet to be formally named, so as you can imagine tracking down all of these will provide years of adventures for me to fill up my BLOG.
Please note I am a self-taught amateur in Orchid location, Orchid identification and Orchid photography so I would ask for your understanding if I may get it wrong, and would appreciate your feedback, notes and comments to help this little BLOG grow and develop just as my wonderful Orchids do in this great state of Western Australia.
Well, finding an orchid was an unexpected treat on the 4th day of an exploration trip with family. It was unexpected as the trip was a circuit from Esperance to Balladonia, then south to Point Culver and then along the south coast to Israelite Bay, then back to Esperance along Fisheries Track/Road.
Whilst travelling slowly along the track from the beach to Israelite Bay, we spy a White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus) sticking out of the undergrowth. Unsure of the exact subspecies, as they keep changing the naming guidelines; however, the White bunny orchids are recorded as being found in Israelite Bay during April and May, so it all fits.
Well, we are a bit late in our first orchid exploration this year, as it has been a hectic couple of months. Usually, we head out in late March or early April. As our usual suspects are found north of Esperance, we head out on Dempster Road for a look. We will mix it up, though, by visiting new locations, so our Scaddan 1 location is our first stop.
As with most early-season searches, the results are pretty average. The first orchids found were specimens of the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), which is found growing between Perth and Israelite Bay from late-April to early September.
The only other orchid found here was the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), which is found between Corrigin and Eucla in WA, as well as in South Australia and Victoria. It is one of the first orchids of the season in WA, as it flowers from March through to May.
Moved onto another nearby location, Scaddan 2; however, this proved even less successful. The sole find here was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), which is found between Shark and Israelite Bays from March to June.
We leave Dempster Road and head west along Scaddan Road, where we make another impromptu stop. Scaddan 3. A rather overgrown sand track that required me to remove fallen branches or hold back overhanging shrubs to try our best not to scratch up the Mighty Triton too much. OMG, this was nearly a waste of time. Only found another Banded greenhood and a very spent Pygmy orchid. Pics for recording purposes.
Moving on to our last location of the day, which is located in the Speddingup East Nature Reserve. Here we spend around 1 hour looking around with not much luck. This time, only further Banded greenhoods and Hare orchids were found. Again, pics taken for recording purposes.
Driving back along the Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy, we make a quick check of our Gibson 15 location. Here we find our Robust snail orchids, but they are only starting to sprout, so we will need to revisit if we are to catch them flowering. Oh well, it was not such a great day out, but we did get to enjoy the fresh air and clocked up some steps, which is always good for us. Until next time!!
Well, this has proven to be a full-on day trip looking for orchids. The last stop for the day is an East Munglinup location, though this time it’s on Jonegatup Road.
The first orchid found is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima),which has been a common orchid at various locations today. Flowering occurs from August to October in woodlands and shrublands between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
Whilst capturing a photo of the Small mantis orchid, another smaller orchid is spied. Another better example is found soon after. The Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) is found between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from late-August to October. Our location is some 80kms to the east of Ravensthorpe, so a slight extension to its range.
Further along, a couple of specimens of the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) are found. These small orchids occur between Lancelin and Esperance from August to early-November.
It was amazing to catch 2 species of orchids growing together. The Small mantis orchid was found under the watchful eye of the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa). The dragon orchid is found growing between Bindoon and Esperance from September to mid-November.
Appears to be the location for Caladenia species. Next up, we find the Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura). These orchids are found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during August and September.
5 other species were also spotted at this location. 4 were solo specimens: Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
Lastly was the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera), which was found in a group, though not yet fully open.
So, our day trip finally comes to an end. We now need to drive the 112 kms home, but we do so with a sense of achievement. This final location turned up 10 different orchid species, whilst over the whole day, we discovered at least 27 orchid species and at least 1 hybrid. What a Day !!!!!
So we move onto our 7th location of the day which is just another random roadside stop on the boundary between Coomalbidgup and East Munglinup localities. All depends on which side of the road you are 🙂
The Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is the first orchid found at this spot. These little orchids are found between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged from August to early-October.
Next up the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is spotted dotted around this location. They can be found growing between Israelite Bay and Kalbarri from August to early-November,
An orchid that is found on both sides of the road is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima). These are found growing between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay from August to early-October.
The wispy spider orchids from the Filamentosa complex are the next found. One specimen appears to be the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) whilst a nearly finished specimen could be the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians). Our location is found within the recorded distribution of both species, both flower during September, plus their flowers and leaves are of similar appearance. I will leave it for you to decide if they are the same species or not.
As this area was also subject to last summer’s bushfire the next orchid found was as expected. Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) flower from August to October between Shark and Israelite Bays.
Last orchid recorded for this location is an unfurling Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea), which are found flowering from August to early-October between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Location 8 is another random stop along the road. Change of vegetation so we will see if anything new is found. First orchid located was a donkey orchid, however based on only 1 specimen I will not attempt to ID it at this stage. Will share to iNaturalist for assistance in this regard
The following orchids have all been found previously today and recorded in this blog so I will post 2 pics each only to record they were found in this new location. Western tiny blue orchid, Small mantis orchid, Red Beaks, Cream spider orchid, Purple enamel orchid.
Finally, a new orchid for this blog is found. Nothing special unfortunately but something new is something new. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is widely distributed between Northampton and Israelite Bay flowering from July to early-December
Just as we were heading back to Fili I spied a tall yellow orchid. Woohoo it is a new orchid for today !!!!!! The Custard orchid (Thelymitra villosa) grows to 600mm in height and can have up to 20 flowers per plant. They are found between Northampton and Israelite Bay from September to November.
What a great way to finish off this location. So, over the 2 random roadside stops we found 10 species of orchids. Sometimes it pays just to pull over and look.
Off to our final destination of the day. Refer Part IV
After a wonderful morning finding 15 species of orchids over numerous locations, we pull off the road to park up and enjoy lunch, from the boot of my small Toyota Corolla (Fili). Neds Corner Rd is the border between the locations of Coomalbidgup and East Munglinup. So, our lunch is in East Munglinup8, being West of the road however our explorations take us to the East side as well, which technically is in Coomalbidgup. Not too confusing I trust. 🙂
Car boot lunch break
After lunch we hit the surrounding area for another orchid hunt. Very close by we find our first orchids for the afternoon. The Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found growing between Lancelin and Esperance from August to early-November.
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) are usually found flowering the season after a summer fire has burnt its habitat. This is the case with this location, and they are found in great numbers. Occur between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay from August to October.
Another orchid previously found today is also located at both sides of the road. The Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during the period August to early-October.
A newbie for the day was next on the list. The tiny Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) occurs between Shark Bay and Eyre during the period July to November.
An orchid which we always expect to find, but on occasions we are disappointed is the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). Today we are not disappointed. In fact, we find hundreds growing on the banks of the Young River in the unburnt vegetation, whilst earlier we found sporadic ones growing in the bushfire zone.
In a bushfire regrowth area green with weeds and white sandy soil we find a great patch of the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids range from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid from mis-August to October.
Another newbie and a surprise for the day is the Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which occurs between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from late-June to September.
Intermixed with the Cowslips was another yellow-coloured orchid. The Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)is found between Shark and Israelite Bays from July to October.
As would be expected orchids found earlier today will also be found at this location being only 10km or so north. So further specimens of the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) are found as they occur between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to early-November.
A single king type spider orchid is found which does not appear to be the Esperance king spider orchid. Due to the lack of red colouring and the drooping petals I will name this the Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana). These orchids are listed as occurring between Augusta and Cape Arid during September and October. I have posted this ID on iNaturalist and will await other opinions.
Another solitary specimen is found, this time of the Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to early-December.
Upon crossing the road, the first orchid found appears to be a hybrid. The parentage was hard to decipher until we found one of the parents close by. I have decided the parents are Caladenia attingens x barbarossa. Posted on iNaturalist for thoughts from others.
Just past the hybrid orchid we come across one of the parents. The Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) is found scattered at the top of the ridge above the river flat. These orchids are found between Bindoon and Esperance from September to mid-November.
Another orchid found as two separate specimens was the Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is listed as growing between Salmon Gums and Israelite Bay from July to September. The specimens were north and south of the river. Our location is some 50km southwest of Salmon Gums but the species is recorded at this location in the Atlas of Living Australia.
As I was taking photos of orchids found Debbie is exploring further afield and she yells out excitedly. She has come across a vast warren of the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which has flowered due to the previous summer bushfire that scorched this area. These orchids are found growing between Northampton and Israelite Bay from September to early-November.
Close by we also found the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which occurs between Bremer and Israelite Bays from August to early-October. Some may be the related Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula)which occurs between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay during a similar flowering season. The differences between the 2 species are the size of the flower and the rigidness or pendulousness of the petals and sepals. Let me know your thoughts.
Crossing back over the river we come across more spider orchids that appear to be further Esperance king spider orchids. However the better find was some other species of Donkey orchid. Due to the location and date found, I will be naming these the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis)which is recorded as occurring between Denmark and Esperance from July to early-September.
Finally made it back to Fili at around 2pm and move onto another location. 16 species found at this location. Part III to follow… Stay tuned
Today Deb and I decide to head out west of Esperance to see what we can find. Our first destination is Lake Monjinup which is located in the Lake Mortijinup Nature Reserve which is also referred to as Lake Monjingup Reserve. 3 different spellings and differing details on the size of the reserve make things rather confusing. This is only a quick check around the parking area as we have many kms to go today.
As would be expected the first orchids found were the Esperance king spider orchids (Caladenia decora). They are amazing large spider orchids that can be so dazzling in their colours.
Another dazzling orchid is found. These are the much smaller Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which as the name suggests are pink in colour. They do have a much larger range, occurring between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay in WA but are also found in Vic, Tas, and SA. The Esperance king spider by comparison is found only between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid in WA.
Our next stop is nearly 1 hours’ drive west in Coomalbidgup9. We park up off the road and venture into the roadside vegetation. This was just one of those “Let’s check this spot out” random choices. And guess what? It paid off this time 🙂
First up we find the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)growing sporadically over the location searched. These orchids are found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Another orchid found throughout this location was the bright yellow Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum). These small orchids are found from near to Perth to east of Esperance.
A 2nd species of yellow orchid is also found. The common Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) was expected but is always a surprise to find as well. This particular subspecies is the most widespread of the 4 names subspecies.
Who would have picked it, another yellow orchid is found in good numbers. The Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa) grows with sedges and low shrubs in moist places such as the edge of swamps. It is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay and is also found in southern Vic, south-eastern SA and Tas.
Also found at this location were more Esperance king spider orchids.
The discovery of the final orchid at this location was unexpected, as the area has not seen a recent burn. Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) typically flower following a summer fire however, rare specimens bloom without fire, which appears to be case in instance. Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay in WA and all Australian states except Qld and the NT.
Next stop is a new Coomalbidgup10 spot where the powerline gives easy access. Today, we encountered additional specimens of some previously identified orchids so I will post a picture of them to document their presence at this new location.
Red beaksPurple enamel orchidCowslipCommon bee orchid
New species for the day were also found. Firstly, came the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which as the name suggests is found in a range between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid which includes Esperance.
A solitary Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) was found. These small guys flower between Ongerup and Israelite Bay. Pics taken from different angles either highlight or diminish the blue colouring of the orchid flower.
And the final new species found at this new location was the bright Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)which is found flowering between Shark and Israelite Bays.
We head further north up Neds Corner Road and make a random roadside stop at some low granite. On the West side of the road, it was covered in water but on the East side it was mainly dry. We found orchids on both sides of the road, though mostly the same as previously found today. Common bee orchids, Lemon-scented sun orchids and Cowslip orchids listed for recording purposes.
Common bee orchidCowslip orchidLemon-scented sun orchid
New species for today is found on the East side of the road. The Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) is found flowering between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
A spent Jug orchid (Pterosylis recurva) was found as were some orchids yet to flower. Thelymitra, Microtis and possibly Prasophyllum orchids in bud and some leaves to tempt us. We move on but not too far of course 🙂
Microtis sp. in budThelymitra sp. in budJug orchidPrasophyllum sp. in bud ???Orchid leaves
Only a little way up the road will pull over at another random spot due to a change in vegetation cover. First up hiding underneath a shrub a compact clump of Western tiny blue orchids is found.
An exciting find here was a small patch of the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila). These orchids are found flowering between Hyden and Mount Arid.
Another new orchid for today is found, from the Caladenia genus, which is always exciting. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)is another easterly located orchid, as it grows between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay.
The next orchids found are the small Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) and the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) which are found from Watheroo to Esperance and Mullewa to Grass Patch respectively.
Then some further Esperance white spider orchids and Small mantis orchids are found. As usual I will post a pic of each for recording purposes.
As we proceed, we take a moment to reflect on the discovery of 15 distinct species of orchids. With additional locations yet to be explored, this promises to be a highly successful orchid hunting expedition. As I compose these blog posts several months after the actual date, I am dividing this day into three reports. Stay tuned for Part II and III.
Today I decide to start the Kepwari Walk Trail from the far eastern end, which is at Lake Wheatfield. As I did not start this walk till after 4pm I plan on getting to the spot I reached from my walk on the 25/08/2025, before turning back.
Orchids were found over the entire length of the walk, however, were never found in great numbers. I will just list the orchids in groups of the same species, even if found at different stages of the walk, as my memory will not allow me to provide a more detailed record of the exact locations found.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance hybrid spider orchid
(Caladenia decora x longicauda)
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
I arrived back at the carpark just prior to sunset so took the opportunity to grab some pictures of this amazing sight. A perfect way to end a relaxing afternoon walk in the fresh air.
Time to head back to Esperance. I decide to take the Brookton Hwy direction and make my first stop along the highway in the State Forest in the Flint locale. At this random stop I was extremely lucky to stumble across the Bird orchid (Pterostylis barbata). This sole specimen though had not yet fully flowered, so its labellum was not visible. Also, the brown markings around where the labellum appears between the body forming petals was not yet evident. However, I am still confident in my identification.
Moving along the highway to the next Flint location1 in the hope that more species will be found. Parking up off the road I had a quick look around but was driven back to the car by a rain shower. I did find a nice donkey orchid specimen, however now the difficult task of identifying it. I am leaning toward the Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) which flowers from August to October. They are listed as growing between Mogumber and Tenterden in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. (Colours differ due to mobile / camera pics)
Another orchid found in this quick search was a Silky blue orchid (Cyanicula sericea)which is distributed between Jurien Bay and Esperance. They occur from August to early-October and is found growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests and woodlands. They occur in greater numbers in the season following a summer bushfire.
The rain stopped for a bit so had another quick look and came across a wonderful Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva). These orchids are distributed between Geraldton and Israelite Bay growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.
Final orchid found at this location was the small Little Pink Fairy orchid (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) which is distributed between Northampton and Esperance. They are recorded as growing in a wide variety if habitats; from coastal heath to dry inland woodland in sandy to clay loam to gravelly soils.
Well, I didn’t get far along the highway before I made another stop, this time in Westdale1. Pulling off the road I make a beeline for the bush I hope to find the Blood spider orchid, as I have found it at this location on a previous visit. First up though I find some more donkey orchids flowering. Unsure of the ID as they may just be more Common donkey orchids D. corymbosa or may be another species. I will post to iNaturalist but they are rarely identified on that site either.
Then I stumble across a Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata) which can also be referred to as the Fringed mantis orchid. These orchids are distributed between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup growing in a variety of woodland and shrubland habitats, on sandy to clay loam soils.
Then the targeted orchid is found, however in much lower numbers than before. As time is precious, I quickly take some pics of a couple, without exploring further. The Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) is distributed between Wongan Hills and Tenterden growing in heathy to shrubby woodland and open forest, on clay loam, sometimes gravelly soils.
After successfully finding the Blood spider orchid it was time to move on. Further along the highway I pull into Jelcobine location9, in the Brookton Highway Nature Reserve. As per today’s previous locations the first orchid found was another donkey orchid. ID is proving difficult as 3 species are recorded in the Atlas of Living Australia for the surrounding area and the dorsal sepal is both erect and recurved in the flowers found. The options are Diuris brachyscapa, D. porrifoliaandD. corymbosa. Any help with identification would be appreciated.
Another yellow-coloured orchid is also found scattered over the location searched. The widespread and common Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is distributed between Northampton and Israelite Bay. This orchid grows in a wide variety of habitats from wet forest and coastal heath to dry inland woodland, on deep sands to heavy clay loam soils.
Final orchid found at this spot was a solitary Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)which occurs between Paynes Find and Israelite Bay growing in a variety of habitats including heaths, woodlands, mallee scrubs and granite outcrops, on sandy to clay to gravelly loan soils.
Now as I am writing this blog some 7 mths after the actual date I have forgotten where my final search was completed as it was nearly 3pm, so more than 3 hrs since the previous stop. I did however stop for lunch in Corrigin so feel it was near Hyden. Upon researching Google Maps I have deduced it was at the Lake Hurlstone Nature Reserve stop.
2 species located here were previously found today so I will only post pictures of these. They were the Sugar orchid and Jug orchid.
Donkey orchids were also found and as usual the ID is difficult however based on the location and number of flowers it appears to be the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa). These orchids are found growing between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe in woodlands and on and around the margins of granite outcrops.
Next, I stumble across a couple of small spider orchids. They appear to be the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) which is found between Paynes Find and Norseman growing in seasonally moist areas on granite outcrops, mallee woodlands and slopes to seasonal creeks.
Underneath some bushes I spied some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis setulosa) still in flower. These little guys are found between Kalbarri and Balladonia in WA as well as in NSW and SA. They grow in shrublands, woodlands and shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.
The next stop was another 1hr later so from using maps again I believe I may have pulled into Pallarup Nature Reserve; however, this place is usually full of orchids so not really sure. However, pics were taken so will post them here. The Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) is found growing in WA between Wongan Hills and the SA border. Also found in QLD, Vic, NSW, Tas and SA. Grows in shrublands, woodlands and shallow soil pockets in granite outcrops, as it appears many of our orchid do.
Another long drive back to Esperance, though this one was broken up with some fruitful orchid explorations. More than 12 species found, especially given the Donkey orchids found may be a few different species given the distance covered. This is the last day of Winter down here in Australia, so tomorrow will be Spring and the so-called peak flowering time for WA orchids.
First ever exploration for orchids in the southern metropolitan location of Karnup1. I was actually amazed to find anything, but I lucked into finding 4 different species.
Firstly, came across some beautiful Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) growing in the bright green undergrowth of weeds and maybe some native plants, but you can never tell this close to suburbia. One of the orchids was the largest I have ever come across. It stood over 550mm in height and its leaf was 40mm in width.
The next orchid found was a total surprise as they are predominantly found in the season following a summer bushfire. This does not appear to be the case here. The Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) is found between Northampton and Israelite Bay growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils. It is listed as being a colony forming species growing up to 300mm in height,
Further afield I stumble across the colourful Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which is the most widespread of the 4 subspecies found in WA. The species is found growing between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, with this subspecies found between Northampton and Israelite Bay. They are a very common orchid; however, I was again not expecting to find any in the metro area.
The final orchid species was found in numerous spots along the side of the walk trail in the swampy area. One good specimen was found at the base of a melaleuca tree. The Midge orchid (Cyrtostylis huegelii) is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in moist shaded situations.
Well, I left this reserve impressed to have found orchids growing in winter weeds. 4 species in 3 genera found.
